Continental Bulldog
Description
The Continental Bulldog, or Conti, was born in Switzerland in the early 2000s. Imelda Angehrn aimed to build a sturdier, healthier Bulldog that could move freely without the usual breathing or joint troubles. This breed mixes Old English Bulldogs with a touch of modern English Bulldog, creating a compact, muscular dog weighing between 48 and 66 pounds. Their short, smooth coat comes in fawn, brindle, white, or black, often with a striking black mask. Contis are calm and friendly dogs who bond tightly with their families. They can be a bit stubborn but usually want to please. These dogs get along well with kids and other pets if socialized early. They don’t bark much, making them good neighbors. Their moderate activity level means they enjoy playtime but also appreciate downtime.
Grooming
The Continental Bulldog’s short, smooth coat is easy to maintain. Shedding is light to moderate, so weekly brushing with a rubber curry or bristle brush keeps loose hair under control and skin healthy. Bathe your Conti every 4 to 8 weeks to avoid drying out the skin. Nail trims every 2 to 4 weeks prevent overgrowth, and check ears monthly for cleanliness. - Brush weekly with rubber curry or bristle brush - Bathe every 4–8 weeks, no more - Trim nails every 2–4 weeks - Clean ears monthly Pro tip: Use a damp cloth to wipe the black mask area gently if you notice dirt or tear stains, keeping the face fresh without over-bathing. This breed doesn’t have a heavy seasonal shed, so no need for extra grooming in spring or fall.
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
Continental Bulldogs need about 80 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions. One walk in the morning and one in the evening works well. These dogs enjoy steady, moderate-paced strolls rather than fast runs or long hikes. Keep an eye on hot weather since their short noses can make breathing harder when it’s warm. Example routine: - Morning: 40-minute walk around the neighborhood, allowing sniff breaks and some light play. - Evening: 40-minute walk at a relaxed pace, focusing on calm exploration and socializing with other dogs if possible. This schedule helps keep your Conti fit and content without overdoing it.
Boarding
When boarding a Continental Bulldog, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to ensure enough room for comfort and stretching. These dogs enjoy calm, steady play rather than roughhousing, so staff should plan gentle activities that match their moderate energy. Daily exercise is key, followed by quiet decompression time to help them relax. Enrichment like puzzle toys or gentle training sessions keeps their minds busy. Staff should note the Conti’s sociable nature but also respect their occasional stubborn streak by using patient, consistent handling. A quiet spot with familiar bedding and a few favorite toys will help your Conti feel at home during their stay.